Apple’s efforts in the automotive industry continue to emerge.
A new report from the Korea Times says Apple has held discussions with multiple Korean EV component manufacturers.
Apple has been working on a car project since as early as 2014. Dubbed “Project Titan,” the company explored building its own car from scratch. However, the company reportedly abandoned those efforts to focus on automotive software. In 2018, Apple tapped former Tesla employee Doug Field to manage the project.
In December, Reuters reported that Apple is still planning a battery-powered car with self-driving capabilities. In January, it was reported that Apple and Hyundai Motor Co. were considering a partnership to build a car.
“Apple officials have been in Korea for business talks with its Korean partners in the semiconductor and display sectors,” a senior industry executive directly involved with the issue told The Korea Times. “As seen in Apple’s smartphone business, the company is seeking business partners in Korea for its EV business.”
“Without partnerships with Korean vendors, Apple won’t be able to complete its EV business plan,” the source continued. “As far as I know, Apple has talked with LG, SK and Hanwha, but the talks are still in the early stages.”
It’s still not clear exactly what Apple is working on, but reports suggest the company is still very much looking to build a car or products for transportation.